There is no longer any need to go through life with missing teeth. There are now a number of different options available to replace a missing tooth, with implants and dentures being the most common options. In this article we compare both options to help you make an informed choice as to whether dentures or implants are the right treatment for you.
Dentures  | Implants  |
| Dentures are made by creating either an acrylic (plastic) or chrome (metal) base and onto these composite teeth are added in a shade to match your natural teeth. This means once in place no-one should be able to tell that they are not your own teeth. | Implants are made by inserting a titanium screw into your jaw, which is then used to support a crown, bridge or denture depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. |
| Dentures can be made to replace either a few teeth or all the teeth on your upper or lower jaw. Dentures have the added advantage of allowing further teeth to be added following future extractions | Implants can be used to replace a few or all teeth. Implants can either be placed for individual teeth or can be used to support dentures replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw |
| Dentures help to improve your appearance, bite and how you speak | Implants help to improve your appearance, bite and how you speak |
| Dentures can be fitted immediately after a tooth is extracted so no one will know you are missing a tooth | The base of the implant will be inserted into your jaw. This will then need to be left 3-4 months to heal before a crown, bridge or denture can be placed on top |
| Dentures can be fitted no matter how healthy your jaw is or whether you have lost the teeth because of damage, wear and tear, decay or periodontal disease | Implants can only be placed if you have sufficient bone in your jaw and it is healthy enough. If not a bone graft will be required prior to treatment starting |
| Dentures do not support the jaw so you will notice bone loss over time if you wear dentures | Implants help to maintain the bone levels in your jaw and can even help to promote bone growth needed to stabilise and secure the implant |
| Dentures are suitable for most people | Implants are not suitable if you smoke and if you suffer with gum disease there is a higher risk of the implant failing |
| Dentures can take time to get used to and will require practice to allow you to speak and eat with confidence | Implants look and feel like your natural teeth so you will be able to speak and eat with complete confidence |
| Dentures may need to be remade or relined as the shape of your jaw changes overtime | If cared for properly an implant should last as long as your natural teeth |
| Dentures are less expensive than implants but will only last on average 7 – 8 years before they need to be replaced | Implants are more expensive but once in place they should last a lifetime |
If you would like more help and advice on whether dentures or implants are the right treatment for you book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188
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